Mostly appreciated for enhancing the taste of food and sublimating dishes, spices are mostly rich in antioxidants. But the benefits of spices do not stop there, as we will discover in our top 10. And you, what is your favorite spice?
A spice is a natural product that either exists in the wild or that is cultivated and harvested. It is found in several forms: bark, flowers, sheets, bulbs and seeds.
Although there is a tendency to confuse or mix them up, a distinction must be made at the outset between a spice and one aromatics. A spice relates to taste and is more raised than a spice (or aromatic herb), it enhances the flavor of a dish.
The spices are obtained after the drying and the transformation of their plants, as a result of fermentation, bleaching and stabilization.
The benefits of spices and herbs
Many spices originate from from the east and have been brought to Europe over the years. Among the spices, we can mention the saffron, the cinnamon, the ginger, the curry, the paprika…
a aromatics, as the name suggests, relates to aroma and scent. He has a perfume and is most often used to change the scent of a meal without modifying its taste.
A spice can be eaten dry, costs or in seed. Among the aromatics we find the basil, the fennel, the coriander, the thyme and the parsley.
10 classic spices to spice up your dishes
Very appreciated to enhance the taste dishes and rich in antioxidants, the spices can neutralize the free radicals. Among other health benefits, spices have the power to calm the tendonitis, the cough, ofeliminate bacteria, to fight theobesity.
Some spices, such as cinnamon and turmeric, are used in cosmetic for their properties while others, such as ginger or cayenne pepper, are renowned for their aphrodisiac properties.
1- Cinnamon
The cinnamon is a spice which comes from the bark of cinnamon tree Ceylon, a species of cinnamon tree also known as “real cinnamon”. This species is native from asia.
It contains antioxidants, and of phenolic compound. The cinnamon powder reveals on analysis a strong presence of tannins. The ground cinnamon, meanwhile, contains manganese and iron.
She has virtues slimming, antioxidants, antibacterial and anti–inflammatory. It is used to stimulate the immune system, relieve digestion problems and treat in a natural way the Type 2 diabetes.
Beyond its medicinal properties, it is used in cosmetic and in food where it is very often associated with chocolate or at the Apple.
2- Turmeric
the turmeric is a native herbaceous plant Turkey, from the family of Zingiberaceae. It is also called turmeric. Nowadays it is more widespread in the form of powder.
Turmeric has many virtues that it owes to its main compound: curcumin. It is also the latter that gives it its color yellow.
Turmeric like many spices with countless benefits is a powerful anti-inflammatory which relieves the back pain, the’arthritis, the’osteoarthritis, the tendonitis, the sciatica, the lumbago and the rheumatism. It has the ability to protect the cartilage from joints and also has virtues digestive.
We can combine turmeric with black pepper or to ginger. It is often used in cooking as a condiment and, in herbal medicine, it is part of the composition of some food supplements.
3- Ginger
the ginger is a native plant from asia but it is widespread in several regions of the globe. It is rich in minerals, trace elements and antioxidants. We also note the presence of vitamins such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3 and vitamin C. Finally, ginger is well endowed with starch, proteins and lipids.
Ginger is excellent for intestinal flora and is a fat burner that promotes weight loss. It also treats infections. It is also a good anti-inflammatory. It is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine but also in Indian cuisine as a spice.
4- Clove
the clove, its scientific name Eugenia caroflier, is actually the clove flower bud. It is harvested before flowering and is native from asia.
The clove is made up ofeugenol, ofessential oil, ofoleanic acid and of antifungal compounds, antiseptic and antibacterial.
Considered a spice, the clove is a real antiseptic. He heals the toothachecalm them down pains in case of’urinary tract infection, reduce digestive disorders, heal her intense fatigue and the joint pain.
It is often used in infusion, in mouthwash but also in food to give an exquisite taste to meals.
5- black pepper
the black pepper is originally from the southwest coast ofIndia and is cultivated for its berries which give the famous spice. It is a plant of the family of Piperaceae.
Black pepper contains iron, of potassium, of manganese and vitamins C and K. Its active principle which is piperine makes black pepper an excellent fat burner.
It not only has an effect regulator on the production of fat cells but, it also helps in the digestion and remedy the lack of appetite. It is good antioxidant which promotes thermogenesis.
It is not only used in aromatherapy like essential oil, but also in herbal medicine to cure various ailments.
6- Cayenne pepper
the Cayenne pepper Where devil’s pepper is a strong spice with a lot of benefits. It is from the family of Solanaceae and is fromAmerica.
The capsaicin is the substance responsible for its action analgesic. It also contains carbohydrates, from proteins, from lipids and fibers.
Cayenne pepper has properties anti-inflammatory that help reduce the intensity of muscle aches. It alleviates pain in the spine, from shoulders, from arm and muscles.
Cayenne pepper is widely used in food and we also use it to make poultices to reduce pain.
7- Saffron
the saffron is generally referred to asred gold because of its rarity and high price. It is a spice that comes from stigmata of the Crocus sativus flower.
Saffron contains vitamins such as vitamins A and B but also of the zeaxanthin and lycopene. It also contains antioxidants.
Saffron is a antidepressant and it also relieves stomach ache. It further deals hypertension and dental pain. The menstrual disturbances and insomnia have no resistance to rudder. Above all, it is a natural appetite suppressant.
It has been used for millennia in perfume, in dyeing and in seasoning.
8- Cardamom
The cardamom is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family of Zingiberaceae. It is a spice often used in Asian cuisine and has a strong smell.
Cardamom is rich in protein, in calcium, in magnesium, in iron and in B2 vitamins and B6. It has virtues on the digestion and constitutes a real antiseptic. Cardamom also helps fight against bad breath.
It is also used in herbal medicine in the form of tisane and in pastry shops in jams and compotes. Like all the others spices, cardamom should be stored away from moisture and heat.
9- Paprika
the paprika, also nicknamed “mild red pepper”Is a red colored spice. We get it from pepper ripe, dried and ground and has a pungent taste. It belongs to the family of solanaceae. This spice is native to Central America.
Paprika contains iron, of potassium, of the Vitamin E, the vitamin K, the vitamin B2 and some capsaicin. As a result, it fights against flu, the common cold, facilitates good blood circulation and relieves heavy legs. He has real power antioxidant and ensures good muscle health.
Paprika is used to make traditional dishes in Hungary such as goulash. You can also use it to make a marinade for white meats.
10- Vanilla
The vanilla is a spice obtained from the fruit of certain orchids tropical. The name given to this spice comes from Spanish and means pod. Vanilla is originally from Mexico.
Vanilla is full of minerals and of vitamins and help digestion. It constitutes a anti stress and also slows down the aging. Vanilla is a slimming ally but it also has virtues aphrodisiacs.
Vanilla is used in cooking and baking, especially to make desserts. Although sweet, vanilla is used to make both sweet and savory dishes.
